Senior Executives Association Supports Elevation of OPM to Executive Office of the President

15 Mar2016

VA SES Weigh In On VA Proposal

Written by Senior Executives Association. Posted in Press Releases

A new survey underscores proposals’ shortcomings and Department’s systemic issues

Washington, D.C. – Today the Senior Executives Association (SEA) released an analysis of survey data and commentary regarding the recent proposal by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to move the agency’s entire career executive workforce from Title 5 to Title 38 of the United States Code.

SEA issued the survey to gauge Senior Executives’ perception of the potential impact of this recommendation, as well as the current climate and condition of the Department.

“These are the employees who witness first-hand the challenges within the agency and would directly be affected by this proposal,” said SEA Interim President Jason Briefel. “The findings, particularly the comments that participants took the time to leave, indicate a distressing leadership crisis within the Department. It is harrowing to see that ‘toxic,’ ‘fear,’ and ‘mistrust’ were often used to characterize an environment where our veterans come to seek services.”

The 236 current and former VA executive respondents answered a number of questions in relation to the proposal, in addition to questions concerning recruitment and retention efforts; VA talent pipeline; and what would fuel their potential exit from the federal workforce.

Key findings include:

• 64% do not support the proposed move to Title 38 – where career executives would have few workplace protections, but an opportunity for an increase in salary

• Frustration with Congress, VA leadership, and fear of unfair media or Congressional scrutiny are among the top factors for an executive to consider leaving the federal workforce, as well as providing pause for talented candidates considering executive roles at the VA

• 97% of VA executives expressed some degree of concern about the ability of the agency to fill SES vacancies with highly qualified candidates

The report also offers several recommendations as alternatives the Title 38 proposal, such as the full utilization of Title 5 authorities to address compensation, performance, or misconduct. This would include the use of critical pay to better compensate qualified medical professionals.

SEA connects its members to the networks, opportunities and resources that help them succeed. SEA also provides a forum for its members to engage in policy discussions on critical government management challenges and opportunities. Through membership, SEA members are part of the movement to transform government for the 21st century and to empower senior leaders to drive change.

What you get

Through strategic connections, insight into cutting-edge practices and resources, career advancement tools, and thought leadership, SEA helps its members build a “Leadership Profession” within the federal government to ensure that the experience of senior career leaders is used in new ways to promote a stronger and more effective government.

SEA membership options are available to career SES and equivalent positions, retired SES and aspiring leaders (GS-12 through GS-15). Click below for information about eligibility and membership categories.